12-step program proposed for Petersburg revitalization

Thursday

Nov 19, 2009 at 12:01 AMSep 10, 2014 at 12:55 PM

PETERSBURG - There's no lack of visions for revitalizing downtown Petersburg and no lack of desire on the part of businesses to make revitalization a reality, but according to the president of one downtown business group, there's still some lack of clari

PETERSBURG - There's no lack of visions for revitalizing downtown Petersburg and no lack of desire on the part of businesses to make revitalization a reality, but according to the president of one downtown business group, there's still some lack of clarity about what steps are needed to move the process forward.

Steve Perez, owner of Journey Business Development LLC in Chesterfield County and president of the Old Towne Merchants Group, told guests at an open house of his business association Wednesday that downtown business owners "love the community and love what the community can become."

However, he added, some have become jaded by repeated reports and studies about how to redevelop the downtown area. People say, " 'Every few years everybody gets excited about some plan to revitalize, then it fizzles out,' " Perez said.

Perez cited the Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team report from 2007, called "Re-envisioning Petersburg Together," as an example of a vision for the downtown area that created a lot of excitement. Suggestions in the study included a $5 million to $12 million riverfront park area and guidelines to shape infill development downtown.

Still, he said, "They don't really tell you how to do it. ... What are the keys to drive this process?"

Perez said he wanted to call attention to a study by Christopher B. Leinberger of the Brookings Institution, "Turning Around Downtown: Twelve Steps to Revitalization," which he said could be a useful guide to getting the renewal process moving. The study looks at successful revitalization programs in cities across the country and identifies 12 principles those programs have in common.

The city already has made progress on some of the steps listed in the study, Perez noted. For example, the R/UDAT report helps fulfill step 1, "Capture the vision." Step 5, "Establish business improvement districts and other nonprofits," has been partially achieved with the city's enterprise zones and downtown business associations.

Step 7, "Create an urban entertainment district," is well under way with Friday for the Arts, Sycamore Rouge and various commercial entertainment venues in the area. And Step 8, "Develop a rental housing market," also is moving forward with the numerous loft conversions completed or currently under way.

One thing needed now is what the Brookings study calls a "catalytic development company," a public-private partnership that would help create opportunities to invest in new businesses and housing options downtown.

Another key recommendation of the Brookings study is the revision of zoning codes to allow for high-density development, and a general spirit of cooperation between urban developers and city officials.

Some community members may believe the current economic downturn will make it even harder to turn conditions around, Perez noted. "Because the economy is so down, it's almost like this dark cloud hanging over people's heads," he said. But he suggested that it's better to make investments when markets are down than when they're at a peak.

"I fully believe this city's going to come back and this economy's going to come back," he said. "We need to get moving now."

- Michael Buettner may be reached at 722-5155 or mbuettner@progress-index.com.

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